Duplicating device



April 10, 1934. R. WEIDE DUPLICATING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Junel5 1932 |||||||||I||| |||||I|||||| l||||||||||| lHll Patented Apr. 10,1934 PATENT, OFFICE DUPLICATING DEVICE Rudolph Weide, Chicago, Ill.,assgnor to Ditto Incorporated, a corporation of West VirginiaApplication June 15, 1932, Serial No. 617,461

Claims.

The invention relates to duplicating devices and has as its primaryobject the provision of improved apparatus for and an improved method ofoffset duplicating wherein positive master sheets I may be employed.

The improved apparatus preferably comprises means similar to meansemployed in offset printing presses, the construction being such that animpression is taken from the master sheet on the impression or offsetroll each time the impression or offset roll produces a duplicated copy.

The invention is particularly advantageous as it permits one to obtain arelatively large number of distinct copies from the master sheet andalso ll permits one to employ the same master sheet from time to timeover a period of years if it is so desired. Another particular object ofthe improved method is that one may apply the design or data to themaster sheet in a plurality of colors with comparatively little effort.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the followingdetailed description progresses, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings wherein,

Figure 1 is a longitudinal fragmentary section taken through aduplicating machine which embodies the invention, the section beingtaken on line 1---1 of Figure 2.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the improved ma- 80 chine.

Fig. 3 is a section ltaken on line 3--3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a section taken through an impression roll which embodiesanother form of the invention, and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Referring for the present to Figures l to 3, inclusive, wherein apreferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, the referencecharacter 10 designates a frame of a duplicating machine which alsocomprises a master carrying roll 1l, an impression or offset roll 12 anda. platen roll 13. The rolls v 11, 12 `and 13 are mounted on shafts 15,16 and 17, respectively, journaled in the frame 10. Fixed to the shaft16 is a gear 18 'which meshes with a pinion 18 which in turn meshes witha pinion y19 fixed to a shaft 20 journaled in the frame 10. A sprocket21 iixed to the shaft 20 is adapted to drive a sprocket 23 through themedium of a sprocket chain 24, the sprocket 23 being fixed to a shaft 25which is journaled in the frame 10. The shaft 25 carries a. rubbercovered feed roll 28 which frictionally engages a lmetallic pressureroll 29 fixed to a shaft 30 jour naled in the frame 10.

The feed roll 28 also frictionally engages a moistening roll 32 whichforms a. part of a moistening device 33. The moistening device 33comprises a tray 34 which holds a supply of liquid as hereinafterdescribed. The roll 32 is driven 60 by the roll 28 and moistens the roll28 in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. 'Ihe moisteningdevice 33 also comprises a doctor blade 35 which regulates the amount ofliquid delivered to the roll 28 by the roll 32. The roll 32 ss ispreferably formed from metal and the cylindrical surface thereof ispreferably etched to provde a fine screen-like surface thereon.

The shaft 20 is provided with a handle 38, or the equivalent, wherebythe shaft may be rotated to rotate the drum 12 through the medium of thegears 19, 18, and 18. A gear 39 fixed to the shaft 16 meshes with a gear40 fixed to the shaft 15. Obviously, when the shaft 16 is rotated, theshaft l5 will rotate in synchro- 75 nism therewith. Likewise, the shaft25 will rotate in synchronism with the shafts 15 and 16.

As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, the roll 1l is provided with clampingmeans 42 whereby one end of a master sheet 32 may be secured to the 80roll. The clamping device 42 comprises a` bar 45 movably mounted in agroove 47 extending longitudinally of the roll 11. Engageable with thebar 45 is an eccentric 48 fixed to a shaft 49 which is journaled in theroll 11. One end of the shaft 49 is squared as at 50 so that a wrench,or the equivalent, may be applied thereto when one wishes to displacethe shaft 49 angularly.

A nut 52, screw threaded upon the shaft 49 provides means whereby theshaft may be secured in a plurality of adjusted positions. When themaster sheet 43 is to be applied to the roll 11, one end of the sheet isinserted between the bar 45 and a shoulder 55 formed in the groove 47.The shaft 49 is then rotated until the sheet 95 is clamped firmlybetween the bar 45 and the shoulder 55, after which the nut 52 istightened. As indicated in Fig. 3, it is not necessary to secure theother end of the master sheet to the m11 11. 10

The master sheet 43 is a positive. In this instance, it has lettering 56on it, which lettering may be in a plurality of colors. Any suitablematerial may be employed in printing or forming the lettering 56 uponthe master sheet. Thus, aniline inks, or the equivalent, of the typecommonly employed in connection with hectograph machines may beutilized.

The roll 12 is provided with a coating 60 of no rubber, or any othersuitable material. The roll 13 is lpreferably formed from hard rubber.

The improved machine is provided with a feed table 62 from which sheetsof paper 63 may be advanced manually to a position where they will beengaged by the rolls 28 and 29 and advanced across a guide plate 64 tothe impression or offset roll 12. The platen roll 13 co-operates withthe roll 12 to advance the sheets, it being the primary function of theroll 13 to press the sheets into firm contact with the rubber coating orblanket 60. When the sheets pass from between the rolls 12 and 13 theyare stripped from the coating 60 by a stripping blade 65 fixed to theframe 10. The sheets then fall on an inclined table or guide plate 67.

The liquid in the tray-34 is a solvent for the aniline ink, or theequivalent, employed to print or form the lettering 56 on the mastersheet 43. Alcohol has been employed with excellent results.

The shaft 15 is preferably journaled in eccentrics 70 journaled inbosses 71 provided upon the frame 10. Set screws 73 screw threaded inthe bosses 71 provide means for locking the eccentrics in adjustedpositions. It will be readily understood that the pressure exerted bythe roll 11 on the rubber blanket 60 may be adjusted by adjusting theeccentrics.

The shaft 17 is also adjustably mounted. Thus, its ends are journaled ineccentrics 75 which are journaled in bosses 76 provided on the frame 10.Set screws 77 screw threaded in the bosses 76 may be manipulated tosecure the eccentrics in adjusted positions.

The operation of the above described apparatus is substantially asfollows:

When the master sheet 48 has been properly secured to the roll 11, thesheets to be duplicated are advanced from the table 62 to the rolls 28and 29. The roll 28, which is moistened by the roll 32, moistens the topsurfaces of the sheets of paper and they, in turn, moisten the roll 12.The roll 12 then moistens the lettering on the master sheet and some ofthe ink, or the equivalent, of the lettering is dissolved by the solventso that the lettering is impressed or printed in negative on the rubbercoating or blanket 60. Then, as one continues to feed the sheets 62through the machine, the negative impression or printing on the rubbercoating or blanket 60 is transferred to the sheets in positive printing.The operation of the machine may be continued as long as desired oruntil the supply of ink upon the master sheet 43 has been substantiallyexhausted. It is readily understood that as long as the machine isoperated, the sheets 62 moisten the roll 12 continuously, and it, inturn, continually moistens the lettering on the master sheet. If it isso desired, a few copies may be made of the master sheet and it may bestored away for future use.

It will be readily understood that the rolls 11 and 12 are identical indiameter so that each time the lettering 56 is imprinted in negativeupon the rubber coating 60, it will be in registry with the precedingimprints thereon of the same letters.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, which illustrate another form of theinvention, the reference character 12a designates generally animpression or offset roll which may be employed in place of theimpression or offset roll 12 described above. The roll 12a comprises ametallic cylindrical wall 12b provided with a longitudinally extendinggroove 47a in which a shaft 47h is mounted. The shaft 47h extendsparallel to the shaft 16a which is preferably identical with the shaft16 described above and has the same function. Mounted on the shaft 47his a. rotatable member 47e provided with a hook or flange 47d. Fixed tothe rotatable member 47e at one end thereof is a ratchet 47) which isengageable by a pawl 47g pivoted to the roll 12a. A spring 47hyieldingly urges the pawl 47g into engagement with the teeth of theratchet 47j. The pawl is provided with a finger piece 477 whereby onemay withdraw the pawl from engagement with the ratchet against theaction of the spring 47h.

A coating or blanket 60a formed of rubber, or any other suitablematerial, is provided at one end with a hook 60h engageable with theflange 47d provided upon the rotatable member 47e. The other end of theblanket 60a is provided with a hook 60e engageable with a bar 60dsecured to the roll 12a. A lever 47k fixed to the rotatable member 47cprovides means whereby one may displace the rotatable member 47aangularly on the shaft 47h.

When the blanket 60a is to be applied to the roll 120, its hook 60e isrst engaged with the bar 60d whereupon the blanket is wrapped around theroll until its hook 60h may be engaged with the flange 47d on therotatable member 47e. The lever 47k is then angularly displaced todisplace the rotatable member 47o to draw the blanket 60a taut aroundthe roll. The pawl 47g will hold the rotatable member 47c in itsadjusted position until one angularly displaces the pawl against theaction of the spring 47h.

With the construction shown in Figures 4 and 5, the blanket or coatingon the impression or offset roll may be replaced from time to time or itmay be removed if one wishes to clean it. It will be readily understoodthat if the roll 12a is substituted for the roll 12, the machine shownin Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, will continue to function as describedabove.

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, itis to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes,therefore in the construction and arrangement may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in theappended claims, in which it is my intention to claim all noveltyinherent in my invention as broadly as possble, in view of the priorart.

I claim:

1. A duplicator comprising a roll, means carried by the roll forsecuring a master sheet thereto, an offset roll adapted to receiveimpressions from said sheet of paper, means for moistening a sheet to beduplicated, and means for pressing said moistened sheet against saidoffset roll, said last mentioned means co-operating with said offsetroll to advance the sheet.

2. A duplicating machine comprising a roll, means carried by said rollfor securing a master sheet thereto, an offset roll driven insynchronism with the first mentioned roll and adapted to receiveimpressions from said master sheet, means for moistening a sheet, to beduplicated, with a solvent, and means for pressing the moistened sheetagainst the offset roll and cooperating therewith to advance said sheet.

3. A duplicating machine comprising a roll, means carried by said rollfor securing a positive master sheet thereto, an offset roll driven insynchronism with the first mentioned roll and adapted to receiveimpressions in negative from said master sheet, means for moistening asheet, to be duplicated, with a solvent, and means for pressing saidmoistened sheet against said oiset roll to transfer said impression fromsaid offset roll to said moistened sheet, the impression on saidmoistened sheet being in positive.

4. The method of duplicating which comprises moistening sheets to beduplicated, transferring said moisture from said sheets to a positivemaster sheet to dissolve a substance imprinted thereon, taking anegative impression of the imprint on said master sheet, and thenbringing sheets to be duplicated into contact with said

